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Weekly Event Announcements for the City of Alexandria: May 22 - 28, 2010

Saturday, May 22 – Springfest at Barrett Branch Library
Barrett Branch Library (717 Queen St.) invites the public to celebrate Springfest at the Library. A variety of free entertainment will be available throughout the day, including a workshop on Thai healing techniques, a musical showcase of instruments from Thailand, and a class on “veggy art” with Food Network Chef James Parker. For more information, call 703.746.1703 or visit www.alexandria.lib.va.us.

Saturday, May 22 – Wonders of Science
Explore the Stabler-Leadbeater Apothecary (105-107 S. Fairfax St.) and be awed by hands-on 18th-century science demonstrations of the wonders of science. Beginning at 1 p.m., Project Enlightenment, McLean High School’s historical reenactment society, will test 18th-century medical practices through hands-on demonstrations. The Apothecary contains a large variety of objects, from poison bottles to dragon’s blood, for visitors to discover. Tours last one hour and start at 1 p.m., 1:15 p.m., 2 p.m., 2:15 p.m., 3 p.m., and 3:15 p.m. The cost is $6 per person and reservations are recommended. For more information, visit www.apothecarymuseum.org or call 703.746.3852.

Saturday, May 22 – “Stamps to the Rescue” Open House
The Animal Welfare League will host an Open House in honor of the newly-issued “Stamps to the Rescue” series created by the United States Postal Service (USPS). USPS staff will be at the shelter from noon until 5 p.m. to promote and sell these attractive stamps and related products—all featuring adorable, adopted pets. League staff will host tours and craft activities, announce the winner of a children’s poster contest and accept food for a pet food bank. Help us celebrate “Stamps to the Rescue” with our adoptable residents! For more information, call 703.838.4774.

Monday, May 24 – Lunch Bunch Concert
This Lunch Bunch Concert will feature St. Stephen’s & St. Agnes School Wind Ensemble at 12:15 p.m. at Market Square, 301 King St. Concerts are cancelled in the event of inclement weather and subject to change without notice. For up-to-date information, call the Special Events Hotline at 703.746.5592.

Thursday, May 27 – Film Screening of Canvas
In recognition of Mental Health Month, the Partnership for a Healthier Alexandria is sponsoring a free film screening and discussion of Canvas. Starring Marcia Gay Harden and Joe Pantoliano, the film is an accurate and sympathetic portrayal of mental illness and the devastating effects it can have on a family. This PG-rated film will be shown from 6:30 p.m. to 9 p.m. at the Masonic Temple, 101 Callahan Dr. For more information, visit www.alexandriava.gov/mhmrsa.

Coming Soon!

Monday, May 31 – 33rd Annual City of Alexandria Memorial Day Jazz Festival
The 33rd Annual Memorial Day Jazz Festival will take place at Fort Ward Park, 4301 W. Braddock Rd., from 1 p.m. to 7 p.m. The park features amphitheater and grass seating. Attendees can bring lawn chairs and blankets. Food will be available for purchase, picnic baskets are welcome, and grills are available in the park at the picnic sites. Admission is free. For more information, visit www.alexandriava.gov/12678.

Monday, May 31 – Friends of Captain Rocky Versace Memorial Day Ceremony
The "Friends of Captain Rocky Versace" invite the public to the 8th Annual Memorial Day Ceremony at the Captain Rocky Versace Plaza and Vietnam Veterans’ Memorial at 11 a.m. at the Mount Vernon Recreation Center, 2701 Commonwealth Ave. The event will honor the 67 Alexandrians who made the ultimate sacrifice during the Vietnam War.

Tuesday, June 1 – Alexandria Domestic Violence Program Volunteer Training
The Alexandria Domestic Violence Program (DVP) will begin volunteer training on June 1. As a program that operates 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, volunteers play a key role in providing services to those affected by domestic violence. For more information, contact Jen Clayton at 703.838.4911 or e-mail jen.clayton@alexandriava.gov.

Thursday, June 10 through Sunday, June 13 – Alexandria Archaeology Institute
Do you watch the History Channel and imagine yourself excavating a real historic site? Well, here’s your chance to grab a trowel and dig in! Join Alexandria archaeologists for a unique opportunity to excavate the Shuter’s Hill site on the grounds of the George Washington Masonic Memorial (101 Callahan Dr.) from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Gain hands-on experience in site-excavation methods and record keeping. Learn how to use a transit, process and catalog artifacts in the laboratory, and interpret new discoveries. Advance registration is required. For more information, visit www.alexandriaarchaeology.org or call 703.746.4399.

Ongoing!

H1N1 Flu Response Survey
How well did you think the City responded to the H1N1 flu? Let us know! The Alexandria Health Department has designed a brief survey to collect feedback on Alexandria's response to H1N1 flu. Answering these questions will help the City better respond to future public health emergencies and improve the health of Alexandrians. Fill it out online at https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/V2K6PTS.

All Alexandria Reads
During the month of May, Alexandria Library invites the community to read The Geography of Bliss: One Grump’s Search for the Happiest Places in the World by Eric Weiner. Join Weiner in his search to discover what makes people happy. This coming week, All Alexandria Reads will host a comedy class, two movie nights with Pride and Prejudice (Bollywood style) and The Importance of Being Earnest, a musical showcase from Africa and Asia, and an aromatherapy class. Visit www.alexandria.lib.va.us for a complete list of locations, dates, and times for all events.

West End Farmers’ Market
The West End Farmers’ Market is open to the public on Sundays from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. through November 21 at Ben Brenman Park, 4800 Brenman Park Drive. This outdoor market is one of a kind in the City’s west end, featuring colorful displays of fresh, locally grown, in-season vegetables and fruits, gourmet coffee, fresh squeezed orange juice, and fresh baked pastries. For more information, visit www.alexandriava.gov/farmersmarket.

Upper King Street Fresh Farmers’ Market
The Upper King Street Fresh Farmers’ Market, located at King Street Gardens Park, 1806 King St., is just a few steps from the King Street Metro Station. Offering area residents and commuters the opportunity to shop for fresh, locally grown produce, meat, dairy and bakery items, the market is open Wednesdays through October 27 from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. For additional information, visit http://www.upperkingstreet.org

Through Sunday, June 27 – “Tramping and Trailing with the Girl Scouts” Exhibition
This exhibition has been extended at The Lyceum (201 S. Washington St.)! It blends historical photographs, artifacts and reflections to tell the story of Girl Scouting in the Washington metropolitan area. The exhibition features a collection of Girl Scout uniforms from the 1910s, 1930s and 1960s, Brownie items from as early as 1937, a display of cookie fundraising materials, and extensive camping and hiking exhibits highlighted by a tent and official Girl Scout gear. Suggested admission is $2. The Lyceum is open Monday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and on Sundays, 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. For more information, visit www.alexandriahistory.org or call 703.746.4994.

Monday, June 28 through Friday, July 2 – Civil War Kids’ Camp
Fort Ward Museum still has a few slots available for its annual Civil War Kids’ Camp, a week of learning and fun for boys and girls ages 8 to 12. Participants explore the lives of Civil War soldiers and civilians with marching, drilling, re-enactor guest appearances, games, crafts and other activities from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Fort Ward (4301 W. Braddock Rd.) Registration, including souvenirs and healthy snacks, costs $200 per child, and there is limited scholarship assistance based on financial need. For more information or to sign up, please contact Fort Ward Museum at 703.746.4848 or visit www.fortward.org.